Gear Reviews

The Garmin inReach Mini 2 and the inReach Explorer+ are two-way satellite communicators that can send and received status messages to loved ones or alert emergency services if you need assistance. The inReach Mini 2 received a major upgrade this year (2022) …

Six Moon Designs Pack Pods are silnylon storage cubes, with a zippered clamshell lid, that stack one on top of the other in your backpack. I found them to be highly effective for organization and efficiency on-trail and in-camp, and reasonably priced …

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Convertible Hiking Pants are lightweight quick-drying hiking pants with a lot more stretch (14% spandex) than most hiking pants. They’ve quickly become my go-to pants on and off the trail because they are comfortable and look so good. Available …

The MSR WindBurner is a canister stove system built around the wind-proof and super fuel-efficient radiant burner technology that MSR originally developed for its snow-melting powerhouse Reactor Stove. Unlike conventional backpacking stoves, radiant burners don’t have flames, which makes them impervious to windy …

The Osprey Aether 65 is a multi-day expedition-style backpack with an adjustable torso length frame, adjustable length shoulder straps, and an adjustable length hip belt length so you can dial in a custom fit without having to swap out components or heat …

The NEMO Kayu 15 is a down-insulated mummy sleeping bag designed for three-season backpacking and camping. Weighing 2 lbs 3 oz, the Kayu is not the lightest weight sleeping bag in its class, but it has several features that differentiate it from …

The Zpacks Ventum Wind Shell is a gossamer-thin wind shell jacket that weighs 1.6 oz in a size medium. It’s a perfect garment to wear over a fleece sweater on windy mountain hikes or cold mornings to stay warm without the bulk …

The Outdoor Research Helium Insulated Hoodie is a lightweight synthetic insulated hooded jacket that’s great for sweater season hiking and backpacking in the spring and autumn. While you can use it as a mid-layer under a waterproof shell, I like wearing jackets …

Bug season can be unpleasant, but it’s no reason to give up hiking and backpacking. You just need to cover up with insect-proof clothing and wear bug dope. If you never hike when insects are active, you’re not going to get much …

The Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 is a 27 oz ultralight mummy sleeping bag that excels during shoulder season conditions in spring and autumn when nighttime temperatures approach or drop below freezing. While I have used premium down quilts in such weather, …

Engo Blister Prevention Patches are slick adhesive patches that you stick to your shoes to prevent blisters instead of to your feet. Blisters form because friction inside your shoes causes “skin shear”, where the outermost skin layer is pushed one way and …

The Hilleberg Anjan 2 is a 2 person tent designed for three-season use. Weighing 3 lbs. 5 oz., it has a tunnel-style architecture with two poles that slot into sleeves, not clips, making it more wind and weather worthy than most lightweight …

The Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 is a wonderfully versatile, comfortable, and bombproof backpack suitable for extended day hikes or 1-2 night backpacking trips with a streamlined gear list. If you’re unfamiliar with Mystery Ranch’s backpacks, let me preface this review by saying …

The Hammock Gear Ridgeline Organizer is a multi-pocket mesh gear storage accessory that is compatible with any hammock having a structural ridgeline. Weighing 0.75 ounces, it’s hard to believe that such a small and inexpensive hammock add-on can have such a profound …